futurology

American  

[fyoo-chuh-rol-uh-jee] / ˌfyu tʃəˈrɒl ə dʒi /

noun

1. the study or forecasting of trends or developments in science, technology, political or social structure, etc.

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futurology British  

/ ˌfjuːtʃəˈrɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the study or prediction of the future of mankind

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Other Word Forms

• futurological adjective
• futurologist noun

Etymology

Origin of futurology

First recorded in 1945–50; future + -o- + -logy

Example Sentences

Lem’s incorrigibly curious mind was naturally drawn to philosophy and he wrote a massive work of speculative futurology, “Summa Technologiae,” from 1964.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 6, 2019

Disneyland seems to have lost its passion for futurology, letting what was once an innovative, optimistic, imaginative Tomorrowland slip into a symbol of yesteryear.

From Slate • Sep. 4, 2017

Throughout, Clarke's futurology was enhanced by an awareness of the history of civilization, science and technology.

From Nature • Jan. 17, 2017

And like all the best futurology it succeeds by pinpointing those discontinuous advances in technology that – while still only emergent – will come to dominate the societies to come.

From The Guardian • May 10, 2013

The Future Of Life Extension     I beg the readers indulgence for a bit of futurology about what things may look like if the life extension movement continues to develop.

From How and When to Be Your Own Doctor by Solomon, Steve